Hey everyone! I decided to add this page because I read this devotional from Fuel that Tim let me borrow and it really inspired me and I was thinking that it'd be cool to have a page where everyone can share something inspiring too! I hope that reading this will help you bring more glory to God! =] Enjoy! :] _Tiffany Nguyen
ps: sorry if i have typos.. ><
Righteous Anger
The Word : John 2:14-17"And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; and to those who were selling the doves He said, 'Take these things away; stop making My Father's house a place of business.' His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for Your house will consume me.'"
The MessageTypically, our anger as humans is sinful. But when God's reputation is at stake, anger is right and just. And in our society, His name is put down everywhere. If you're a Christian, you should be frustrated, angry, and upset that your Best Friend, Mater, and Leader is so often belittled and blasphemed. I'm sure mad, especially at Hollywood. I have made the decision that I won't watch a movie or TV show that takes God's name in vain. Unfortunately, almost all movies and TV programs do it--repeatedly. So at my house, we are very careful about what shows and movies we choose to watch.But God's name isn't just demeaned in the entertainment inudstry. At school and work, peopel take His name in vain repeatedly as well. How often do you hear, "Oh, my God!" or "jesus Christ!" from yoru friends or woworkers? Don't excuse those remarks. That's not just the way people talk nowadays. Those comments are hurtful to God, the One who created you.That's why Jesus got mad in the temple. The money changers made the temple into a shopping mall, cheapening God and His house of worship. Everyone who loves God should get angry when His name is cheapened. Jesus said we're to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (see Matthew 5:44). But we're also supposed to love Him. And when we live for Him, we'll do anything to protect His name.Do you take a stand when you see people tear down God's reputation, or do you stand quietly by and let others drag His name through the mud?
Discussion StartersWhat's the difference between having righteous anger (like Jesus') and just plain getting mad? When is it wrong to get mad?Why is it wrong to take His name in vain (see Exodus 20:7)?
LifelineDiscuss what you can say in response to people who put down God.
